Crash That Killed West Whiteland Firefighter Probe Ongoing: UPDATE

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Fireman Colin Reedy died and his girlfriend Emily Gindele was critically injured responding to a service call Friday night. Fellow fireman Kevin Miller said the pair were overjoyed to help others.

“They were very dedicated,” Miller said Monday. “They were newcomers. Colin was always out for an adventure. He liked working with his hands and being part of a team. We are one big family.”

The Exton pair recently joined the West Whiteland Fire Department, an all-volunteer fire company with 63 members, and were responding to a fire alarm at 9 p.m. at the Exton Mall in Uwchlan Township, when Reedy’s car veered off the roadway striking trees.

The car landed at the bottom of an embankment along Route 100 between Welsh Pool Road and South Village Avenue, officials said.

Reedy died at age 25.

Gindele, 24, was critically injured and is in Paoli Hospital Monday undergoing spinal surgery, fire officials said. She is a native of Bensalem, Bucks County.

Reedy was a plumber and Gindele worked in data analytics, their friend said.

They were in the process of getting engaged, according to Reedy's obituary.

Born in Ukraine, Reedy was the son of Brian and Tracy of Coatesville. He was graduated from Woodlynde School in Malvern.

Part Of Our Family

Miller said the entire fire department is mourning.

“They were part of our family,” Miller said. “We are heartbroken. Their families are heartbroken.”

Miller said that Gindele was unconscious after the crash and did not know that her boyfriend had died.

“This is so unfortunate,” he said. "This is such a tragic accident. It was a freak accident."

Rick Carkner, Reedy's uncle, described Reedy in a Facebook post as kind, generous, and "one of the most positive souls he has ever met."

He said that the two bonded over an interest in cars.

Crash Under Investigation

Uwchlan Township Police Chief Scott G. Alexander said Monday an investigation is underway into the accident. An autopsy will be conducted by the Chester County coroner's office. An accident reconstruction will also be done.

Witnesses are asked to contact Uwchlan police at 610-363-6947 and ask for Sgt. John McBride or County Emergency Services at 610-692-5100.

Reedy's services

• New York Service: Friends and family are invited to a viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Kings Chapel, 440 Route 9 West, Glenmont, N.Y. A reception will follow.
• Pennsylvania Service: Friends and family are invited to a viewing from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Gateway Church, 160 Cowan Road, Parkesburg. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Whiteland Fire Company, Exton, PA here.